Page 1 In the time of the Ancient Britons, it was, doubtless, a station of some importance.
Its natural position, as well as its vicinity to the residence of the Druid-priests at
Barr, and many other similar adjacent sites, would recommend it, in an especial ...

Page 2 ... the commencement of the Christian era ; but should the reader wish to become
acquainted with an account of the Druids, — and of the religion of the ancient
inhabitants of Wednesbury, — he is directed to consult " •2 THE ANCIENT TOWN.

Page 3 But the simplest, truest, and most ancient form of worship of the Druids appears to
have been the worship of the celestial luminaries and of fire. " Under every green
tree, and on every high hill" were the altars of the sun and moon reared, and, ...

Popular passages

Page 114 - The discovery of the process called splitting, in works called splitting-mills, was first made in Sweden, and the consequences of this advance in art were most disastrous to the manufacturers of iron about Stourbridge. Foley, the fiddler, was shortly missed from his accustomed rounds, and was not again seen for many years. He had mentally resolved to ascertain by what means the process of splitting...

Page 90 - To all to whom these presents shall come, Greeting: Know ye, that we of our special grace, certain knowledge and mere motion, have given and granted, and by these presents, for us, our heirs and successors, do give and grant...

Page 114 - The most extraordinary and the best attested instance of enthusiasm existing in conjunction with perseverance is related of the founder of the Foley family. This man, who was a fiddler living near Stourbridge, was often witness of the immense labour and loss of time, caused by dividing the rods of iron, necessary in the process of making nails. The discovery of the process called splitting...

Page 115 - When at length everything was prepared, it was found that the machinery would not act, at all events it did not answer the sole end of its erection — it would not split the bar of iron. Foley disappeared again, and it was concluded that shame and mortification at his failure had driven him away for ever. Not so : again, though somewhat more speedily, he found his way to the Swedish...

Page 115 - Here was the very end and aim of his life attained beyond his utmost hope. He examined the works, and very soon discovered the cause of his failure. He now made drawings, or rude tracings; and having abided an ample time to verify his observations, and to impress them clearly and vividly on his mind, he made his way to the port, and once more returned to England. This time he was completely successful, and by the results of his experience, enriched himself and greatly benefited his countrymen. This...

Page 97 - From the melted ore, in this subterranean region of infernal aspect, is produced a calx, or cinder, of which there is an enormous mountain. From an attentive survey, the observer would suppose so prodigious a heap could not accumulate in one hundred generations; however, it shews no perceptible addition in the age of man.